Sharon R. Bird, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Department of Sociology
Office: 515.294.9283
Email: sbird@iastate.edu
Homepage: http://www.soc.iastate.edu/staff/bird.html

Education
Ph.D., Washington State University, Sociology, 1998
M.A., University of Oklahoma, Sociology, 1989
B.A., University of Oklahoma, Public Administration, 1987

Role in the ADVANCE Program
Dr. Sharon Bird, is a co-PI, ISU ADVANCE Research Director, and member of the ADVANCE Steering Committee, Council, and co-PI Team. During Year 3, Dr. Bird’s efforts include: guiding and presenting results from the ISU Collaborative Transformation (CT) project; updating/modifying and further developing protocols and IRBs for ISU Collaborative Transformation (CT) project; coordinating and participating in the collection and analysis of Round 2 focal department interview and focus group data; working with external focus group/interview facilitator to arrange qualitative data collection; working with on-campus research institute (RISE) to arrange for transcriptions and coding of qualitative interview data; preparing template for three new focal department reports (on climate/recruitment/retention/promotion) (with Fehr, Larson); working with Round 1 focal department ADVANCE Professors to document progress towards department-specific CT goals, ensure confidentiality and appropriate presentation of findings from departmental reports, and prepare presentations for conferences (with Constant).

Dr. Bird also presented findings from the Collaborative Transformation project at the American Society of Engineering Education (with Constant) (June 2009), findings from research on success strategies of women in academic STEM (with Rhoton) at the Southern Sociological Society meetings (New Orleans, April 2009), and findings regarding the overall ISU ADVANCE Program at the Pacific Sociological Society meetings (Oakland, April 2010), and met with ADVANCE co-PIs from other institutions at multiple professional society meetings.

Dr. Bird organized Research Team meetings (or portions of team meetings on research); developed a budget for research activities; guided post-doctoral research associate Dr. Laura Rhoton; participated in meetings of the ISU ADVANCE Steering Committee, Council, Internal Advisory Board, ADVANCE Professor/Equity Advisor group, and meetings of new focal department chairs and APs. Additionally, she has participated with other ADVANCE Council members in presentations to other non-focal departments on the Iowa State Campus, and serves as an External Advisory Board member for the Ohio State University ADVANCE Program. 

Research Interests

• Social Inequality (Race/Class/Gender)
• Work and Occupations
• Women and Minorities in STEM
• Gender and Small Business